BBC to launch major digital skills programme

The BBC says it will form a series of partnerships to help young people gain creative skills in computer coding and other facets of digital technology.

A programme will begin in 2015, using the BBC’s TV, radio and online services, to promote “national conversation” about digital creativity.

It will see the BBC launch a suite of resources for learning and developing digital skills. No further details have been made public yet.

Ralph Rivera, director of Future Media at the BBC, said: “Digital skills are absolutely fundamental in the modern world, and we’re in a unique position to help people develop them and provide a safe online playground to try them out.

“We want to transform the nation’s ability and attitude towards coding, and bring together different organisations already working in this area.”

Jacqueline de Rojas, vice president and general manager of CA Technologies UKI: “Businesses today are desperately crying out for new technology and services, which in turn increases demand for skilled workers in everything from app development to website design. However, there has been much talk over recent months about the growing skills gap, particularly amongst the younger generation.

“This is why it is such great news to hear that the BBC is planning to offer services across all its digital channels to help address this issue and get people excited about computing again.

“In our digital age, having knowledge of computers and coding is as essential as English and Maths so that young people can not only interact with, but understand, benefit, and take advantage of the data-driven world we now live in.”